school with a view

PERCHED ON THE HIGH SIDE OF THE ROAD, WITH AN UNINTERRUPTED OCEAN VIEW, SITS THE HISTORIC CLIFTON SCHOOL OF ARTS

Words Jo Failes Sources Clifton School of Arts, Illawarra Heritage Trail and Dawn Crowther Image From the collections of the Wollongong City Libraries and the Illawarra Historical Society

For 110 years, the Clifton School of Arts building has sat snugly under the escarpment, facing the sea, with an impressive 180-degree ocean view. Just moments south of the Seacliff Bridge, it has been a meeting place for the local community for generations. Sir Alexander Stuart, who was a Member for Illawarra, owner of the local Coalcliff coal mine, and later Premier, established the Clifton School of Arts in 1880. The town of Clifton was closely linked to the coal mine, and highly influenced by the School of Arts movement that aimed to bring education to the working class.

Sir Stuart was instrumental in the creation of classes, or 'technical education', for the workers in an old weatherboard house across the road from the current building. The classroom was set up with tables, seats, and a bookcase, along with Stuart's further assistance in the form of an educational grant, £30 of his own money, and a nickel silver reading lamp.

Times became tough in the coming years with major mining disasters, industrial unrest, and numerous strikes. In 1911, miners who had been on strike assisted with the construction of the new building where it stands today.

Over the years the site of the Clifton School of Arts has been home to doctors' surgeries, a shop, a billiard room, an electoral office, and an artist's studio. The condition of the building greatly declined over this time, but with the support of the community and a working committee, it has been restored with care to the beautiful building you see today.

'Clifton Conversations' – a series of online discussions (accessible via the Clifton School of Arts website) with local artists, writers, musicians, historians, and filmmakers – are full of historical musings and memories about the rich history of the Coal Coast.

In one conversation, artist Paul Ryan speaks of how the view of the escarpment has not changed. Despite the many historical events surrounding the Clifton School of Arts since it began, the incredible views of the ocean and escarpment from the school have remained constant. ¡

To mark the building's 110-year anniversary, local author Dawn Crowther has released 'Chronicles From Clifton: Clifton School of Arts 1911 - 2011'. The Clifton School of Arts is available for hire for art shows, small weddings and parties, craft classes, yoga sessions, workshops and community events. To buy the book go to Collins Booksellers Thirroul, Gwynneville Post Office or visit artsclifton.org